The independent federal committee investigating the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna has begun work, with its chairman, Mr Jonathan Kure assuring that the probe will deliver justice and bring relief to those affected.
Kure, a retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services and chairman of the 10-man panel set up by the Federal Government, said the committee would fully exercise its independent mandate.
Kure spoke when he led other members of the committee on a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna saying the team was in the state capital to execute the assignment given to it by the President.
The chairman disclosed that the committee’s medical team had already started its assignment immediately after the panel’s inauguration so that critical evidence would not be lost.
“I want to assure you that we will display the independent status that has been bestowed on us by making sure that justice is done. We will do our best to unravel what went wrong. And we will apportion blame where blame needs to go.”
He added that anyone wrongly implicated would also be treated fairly as he used the occasion to condole with the government and people of Niger State, describing the incident as a matter of national concern.
Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago thanked the committee for the visit and pledged the full support and cooperation of the state government to ensure the success of the investigation.
The governor expressed confidence that the panel, composed of persons of integrity drawn from relevant sectors, would uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths, noting that “the world is watching.”
